Man City boss Guardiola has uncovered new Messi ‘in world’s top five’ | Football | Sport

“Bernardo knows the game – his game knowledge his decision-making, his relationship with the ball, his connection with all of his team-mates, these characteristics make him a special player.

“It is fair that this season we say he has been one of the top five players in the world.”

Magalhaes’ opinion is one shared by his current coach Guardiola, who hailed Silva as the “perfect player” following last week’s Champions League heroics.

“Always, I tell him, ‘Bernardo, you are a perfect player,'” the Spaniard declared. “(But) I say, ‘You have to score goals to win games, you have to do it.’